Chief of Global Accounting At International Organization for Migration

Position Title : Chief of Global Accounting

Duty Station : Geneva, Switzerland

Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P5

Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible

Closing Date : 29 July 2021

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates
2. External female candidates:
3. Candidate from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Cook Islands; Cuba; Fiji; Gabon; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Libya; Luxembourg; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Montenegro; Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context:

The Accounting and Financial Reporting Division (ACO) of the Department of Resources Management of IOM is responsible for monitoring, analysing and reporting on the financial position, financial performance, financial risks and financial compliance of the Organization and manages the related financial control framework and processes of IOM. The Division develops and regular updates IOM’s financial management rules and procedures; provides financial advisory and support services to IOM’s management, field and regional offices; integrates the applicable financial principles to IOM’s non-financial policies; develops new financial and accounting approaches in response to emerging operational needs; and facilitates knowledge management, policy interpretations; change management and communication in the related areas. ACO also manages the global financial controlling and financial oversight framework of the Organization; prepares key financial statements and reports on the financial position and performance of the Organization in compliance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS); ensures integrity of accounting data; controls the financial master data structures, data flows and financial processes within IOMs SAP based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system (PRISM); and liaises with external and internal auditors and other stakeholders on accounting and finance related issues and matters.

Under the overall supervision of the Comptroller/Director of the Department of Resources Management (DRM) and direct supervision of the Deputy Comptroller/Director of the Accounting and Financial Reporting Division, the Chief of Global Accounting is responsible for overseeing the preparation of the of IOM’s statutory financial statements ensuring IPSAS compliance, providing regular reports to management on IOM’s financial performance and position and overseeing the project financial report certification processes of IOM.

Within the overall guidance of the Comptroller/Director of the Department of Resources Management and direct guidance of the Deputy Comptroller, the Chief of Global Accounting has independence to use professional judgement to interpret financial rules and regulations (with a pragmatic approach) in the application of accrual accounting principles under IPSAS; and, to provide direction and guidance to IOMs accounting functions worldwide.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Ensure timely and quality preparation of IOMs annual financial statements in compliance with the IOM Financial Regulation and IPSAS.
2. Update IOMs accounting protocols and procedures in response to emerging operational and accounting requirements in compliance with IPSAS. Seek opportunities to harmonize with the UN accounting practices where applicable and feasible within IOM’s financial context.
3. Supervise the preparation of regular and ad-hoc internal reports on IOM’s financial performance and position as well as undertake analysis of the financial results to draw attention to key issues and concerns in a timely manner.
4. Ensure regular update to the structure and content of both the annual statutory reports and the financial management reports of IOM to best reflect on the evolving business context and stakeholder requirements.
5. Manage the project financial report certification process of IOM.
6. Manage the accounts consolidation and periodic accounts closure functions and processes of IOM; as well as the related accounts review and controls mechanisms to facilitate prevention and timely detection of financial risks and any concerns to accounts quality. Provide functional oversight and supervision to the related central functions located at IOM Headquarters, and within the Manila Administrative Centre (MAC) and the Panama Administrative Centre (PAC).
7. Ensure timely and accurate assets, liability, revenue and expense management and recognition by IOM and its offices worldwide. Recommend and implement actions to improve the integrity of IOM’s accounts.
8. Manage and regularly update the Chart of Accounts of IOM with the aim of increasing the efficiency and accuracy of IOM’s financial reporting to its Member States, management and other stakeholders, while ensuring no overlap and full integrity with other financial and controlling master data structures managed by the Division.
9. Ensure IOM’s preparedness to the timely adoption of new accounting standards, including new IPSASs, and manage their implementation.
10. Provide substantive inputs and support to the development and improvement of IOM’s EPR system and accounting related tools and solutions. Propose improvements to accounting processes and approaches and facilitate their implementation in full integration interlinked functions of IOM.
11. Undertake and contribute to initiatives aiming to facilitate the continued professional development of IOM’s finance community in the area of accounting and financial reporting.
12. Facilitate the implementation of the annual work plan of the IOMs External Auditors appointed by the Council with regards to the annual financial statements of IOM.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field from an accredited academic institution with ten years of relevant professional experience; or,

• University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience; and,

• Professional certification as chartered accountant (CA) or certified public accountant (CPA) or membership at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) or another recognized professional accountancy body is required.

Experience

• A minimum of ten years of progressively evolving leadership experience in financial management with responsibilities for accounting, financial reporting and financial analysis, including at corporate level, in a multinational / international organization environment;

• Experience in implementing and/or improving computerized accounting/ERP systems is desired; and,

• Experience with internal control assessments, financial risk management and/or audit.

Skills

• Extensive professional knowledge of financial accounting as applied to international public organizations with experience with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and/or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS);

• Knowledge of IOM and/or UN financial regulations, policies, procedures and practices is desired;

• Successful track record in a lead role played in the consolidation and production of corporate accounts and statutory financial statements under internationally recognized accounting standards for external audit;

• Successful track record in remotely managing teams and functions, including highly decentralized financial and accounting practices;

• High level of computer literacy, in particular advance experience in the use of the ERP systems.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

External applicants for all positions in the Professional category are required to be proficient in English and have at least a working knowledge of one additional UN Language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Chinese).

For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Notes

1

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.

• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.

• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 3

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.

• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.

• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.

• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.

• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 3

• Leadership: provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the organization’s vision; assists others to realize and develop their potential.

• Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.

• Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction. Develops and implements sustainable strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the Organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the Organization.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.